Review of Beetlejuice

Movie #28 - Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice is an original movie about a couple, Barbara and Adam, who die and are not sure how to handle the situation. Aside from them figuring out how to settle into their new afterlife, they have to deal with a family moving into their home. They try everything they can to scare off the Deets family, but it doesn't work. They befriend the Deets' daughter, Lydia, and decide to live together in harmony with her family. Before they realize that they can share the house with Lydia and her parents, they call upon the useless help of Betelgeuse (Beetlejuice). Beetlejuice is a character who is only out to better himself, so he promises Barbara, Adam, and Lydia that he will help them, but decides to ruin all of their lives instead. By saying his name three times, someone can call upon him or get rid of him. No one is able to say his name three times due to Beetlejuice stopping them, so Barbara gets a sandworm to attack and take him to the other side. The Deets family lives happily ever after with Barbara and Adam.

This movie is absolutely terrifying. I don't know how I could watch this when I was younger. The dead people and the stunts Beetlejuice pulls in the end of the film are enough to traumatize a child. It's definitely one of Tim Burton's weirdest movie, and that's saying something. I love Tim Burton, so therefore I love this movie, but that doesn't mean it's not creepy.

Michael Keaton is phenomenal as Beetlejuice. I know I've only seen Beetlejuice played by Michael Keaton, but I don't think I would want to see anyone else play the role. He's great. I really think Michael Keaton excels when he's playing a character part, rather than playing a normal guy. I heard a rumor that a second Beetlejuice movie is in the works, and that Keaton is set to reprise his role as the Ghost with the Most. If this happens, I will be the happiest little Tim Burton fan alive. If they create a sequel, I hope they choose to bring back Winona Ryder (Lydia) as well.

Behind all the craziness of this movie, there actually is a pretty decent plot. I like that it's about accepting the path your life takes, no matter where it takes you. Some things are out of your control, and you just have to learn to roll with the punches. Barbara and Adam give up on trying to get rid of the Deets, and they accept the situation they're in. It also brings up the message of choosing life over death. There's a scene when Lydia tells Barbara that she wants to die so she can be with them, and Barbara sets her straight. It's not an obvious message, but I like that it was thrown in there - whether it was meant to stand out or not.

Beetlejuice is a fun movie to watch...littered with a bit of vulgar language that I don't remember hearing as a child...but fun, nonetheless.

I give Beetlejuice 3 out of 5 stars.